Colorado Crush

Crush announces new defensive coordinator for 2009 season

DENVER, Colo. – The Arena Football League’s Colorado Crush filled their second assistant coach vacancy of the off-season on Wednesday as they hired Tommy Johnson as their new defensive coordinator.

Johnson served as the Head Coach of the Louisville Fire of the af2 for five seasons prior to signing with the Crush. In 2005 Johnson led the Fire to the ArenaCup Championsip game and is the Fire’s all-time leader in wins with 44. Johnson spent time as a player under current Crush Head Coach Mike Dailey for the Albany Firebirds.

“With the signing of our new offensive and defensive coordinators, we are now set to make some strong free agency moves in the coming weeks,” Dailey said. “I have known Coach Johnson for some time now and am really pleased with his knowledge of the arena game and his ability to evaluate talent.”

Johnson began his coaching career as a defensive coordinator for the Fire in 2001. He was also a cornerback on the 1992 National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide team and holds the current record for the longest interception return for a touchdown in AFL history.

“From playing this game to now being a coach, we are certain that Coach Johnson will be an important asset to the success of this team,” Dailey said.

The signing comes on the first day of the free agency period for the AFL season. The list includes 172 athletes and is regarded as one of the most abundant free agency pools in recent history.

The Colorado Crush made their fifth consecutive playoff appearance in 2008 and will look for much more of the same in “Season 7” starting March 2009. Crush season tickets are on sale now call 303.258.3400.